Lockheed Martin Space Systems is being awarded a contract modification in support of the Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 30 (DASO-30) flight test of the UGM-133A Trident II (D5) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The modification, worth $11 million, is being awarded by the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Office located in Washington, District of Columbia. Fiscal 2017 weapons procurement (Navy) for the amount will be obligated at the time of award. No contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year.

The contract is to provide engineering and operations efforts in support of the X-Link Pod Refresh, to include the procurement of one Spiral 2 flight hardware kit with spares for use on the DASO-30 flight test.

Work will be performed in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with a completion date of Dec. 31, 2020.

Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO)

Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) is a series of missile tests conducted by the United States Navy and the Royal Navy.

These tests are employed to validate a weapon system (SLBM) and ensure a submarine crew’s readiness to use that system. A shakedown operation usually occurs after a refueling and overhaul process or construction of a new submarine. Testing of missile systems allows collection of flight-data, and examinations of submarine launch platforms.

The first DASO test occurred July 20, 1960 on the USS George Washington, using the Polaris A-1. Modern tests use the UGM-133 Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), launching from an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

UGM-133A Trident II/ Trident D5

UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, California, and deployed with the American and British navies.

It was first deployed in March 1990, and remains in service. t is a key element of the U.S. strategic nuclear triad.

The missile has a range of 4,230 nautical miles (7,840 km) with full load and approx. 7,500 mi (12,000 km)
with reduced load (exact is classified) with a speculated circular error probable (CEP) of 90 metres (300 ft).